Reds keen on £10m Wickham

LIVERPOOL are set to step up their pursuit of Ipswich Town striker Connor Wickham in the face of competition from Sunderland.

The Reds are keen to secure the services of the highly-rated 18-year-old, who is believed to have his heart set on a move to Anfield.

Sunderland are reported to have offered the Championship outfit about £8million for Wickham but Liverpool remains the 6ft 3ins frontman's most likely destination.

Director of football Damien Comolli watched the England Under 21s international in action at Portman Road on a number of occasions last season and was impressed.

Liverpool are looking to boost their strikeforce and secure back-up for Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll, as David Ngog is expected to leave Anfield this summer.

Wickham could cost up to £10million but the teenager fits into the philosophy of owners Fenway Sports Group to invest in exiting young British talent.

Hereford-born Wickham, who grew up as a Liverpool fan, became the youngest player in Ipswich's history when he made his debut at 16 against Doncaster in 2009.

Since then he has scored 15 goals in 37 starts and has made a further 35 substitute appearances. He was voted the Championship's top young player last season.

Ipswich boss Paul Jewell insists he's under no pressure to sell and that it will take a substantial bid to convince them to do business.

"We don't want to sell Connor Wickham, but if he wants to leave and the right offer comes in then we'll have to consider it," Jewell said.

Wickham signed a new three-year contract in April but if a fee can be agreed with Liverpool he would jump at the chance to make the switch to Anfield.

Ipswich have seemingly already prepared for his departure by swooping for strikers Michael Chopra and Nathan Ellington.

Source: Liverpool Echo

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